Looking at the Outside of the Property

If you're interested in buying a house, then you'll need to take a careful look at the outside of the property. Check the structural soundness and security, and imagine what it would feel like to live there.

Structure Checklist

• Is the roof in good condition? Check (with binoculars if necessary) for signs of missing or dislodged tiles and leaks in the roof space, damaged chimneys and blocked or damaged guttering. Ask the seller if there is a roof guarantee certificate.
• Also check flat roofs thoroughly, as they're vulnerable to the elements and a constant source of trouble (most need to be re-surfaced every 10 to 15 years).
• Look for signs of subsidence, such as a bent chimney stack, an uneven floor line, walls that aren't vertical, or bulging or cracked walls.
• Are the walls in good repair? Does any brickwork need pointing? If it's crumbling, the house will become damp.
• Does the guttering look sound? Can you see any damp patches that may be caused by leaky gutters?
• Do the windows and sills look rotten or rusty? Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot.

Access and Security

• If there is shared entry (for example, condos), is there an entry phone or electronic pass card system? Does the door shut automatically? Ask whether there is a resident or part-time janitor or security guard.
• A public footpath through the garden or round the boundary of the house might compromise your security.

Parking

• Is the house on a steep slope and if so, is there a flat area for parking?
• Do you have a garage or driveway? If not, do you have a parking space or can you park on the street? If not, how far is the nearest parking area from the property?
• If you need to park a long way away, how do you feel about carrying heavy groceries hundreds of yards to your home?
• Is there a residents' parking scheme?

Garden

• Does the property have a garden, patio or balcony?
• Is it south facing?
• Is the garden secluded or overlooked?
• How large is the garden?
• Does it have mature trees and plants?
• Are there any trees too close to the property that could cause subsidence?
• Are there any trees on a neighbor's property or possible extensions and walls that could block your light?
• Are outbuildings such as sheds included in the price?
• If a house overlooks a green area, don't assume that it will always be so - it could possibly be sold to developers in the future.